The Dangers of Absolute Interview Language

You might consider being wary of all-or-nothing absolute interview language.

Always. Never. Every. All. None. Completely. Only. 

These are just a few examples of absolute words that leave no room for imagination, but very little about our careers or lives is 100% one way or the other. 

If we use too many absolutes to describe our career, our integrity and credibility come into question. An experienced interviewer will instinctively bristle against too much extreme language and subconsciously seek opportunities to disprove what has been said rather than take it at face value. If you are not measured in how you describe your achievements, every one may be taken with a pinch of salt.

In addition, if you are categorical with much of your language, an interviewer will assume that you are the type of person to shut doors on possibility and seek answers before they arrive. Black-and-white thinking is not conducive to transformational change.

Any interview should be an open discussion of what might be, not what will be. You can’t say that you will consistently deliver a particular result. You can’t know that you will never disagree with a colleague. Saying that you are completely loyal is foolish. Boasting that you always make the right decisions is ludicrous. Absolute language can tie any job seeker up in knots that are difficult to untangle.

Having said this, the undeniable power of absolute language is still used as a rhetorical device in many settings. Lawyers use it in their arguments to convince a jury, knowing full well that their case contains many grey areas. Parents use it (hopefully sparingly) when setting boundaries with their kids. Leaders even use it when they set challenging targets.

A little absolute language

Absolute interview language is still powerful. 

When used in moderation and at the right time.

It does have a place in an interview, but these words should be rationed to where they carry the most significant impact. If you use absolute language when you want to emphasize an important point (and use it sparingly elsewhere), the interviewer will get the message. 

“This person really believes in what they are saying here.”

Measured language will help you to weave a believable career story. You can’t (and shouldn’t) avoid the absolutes, but make sure they do not dominate. 

You can’t never say never. That would be silly. See what I mean?

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).